If you're seeking a delectable and adaptable low-carb dish, the keto ham and cheese quiche is an excellent choice. Whether you're looking for a way to use leftover ham, create a satisfying breakfast, or prepare a dish for a crowd, this recipe offers a range of possibilities.
Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?
Opting for a crustless quiche presents several advantages. It simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need to prepare or pre-bake a crust, making it a quicker and easier option. Moreover, it caters to those seeking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, making it a suitable choice for individuals following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Crustless Quiche vs. Frittata: Understanding the Distinction
While both crustless quiche and frittata are egg-based dishes, key differences set them apart. A crustless quiche maintains a creamy, custard-like consistency due to the generous addition of dairy, such as cream or milk, while a frittata is denser and resembles a thick omelet, with less dairy and a greater emphasis on fillings.
Ingredients and Variations
The foundation of this crustless quiche consists of eggs and cream, combined with meat, vegetables, and cheese. The recipe is highly versatile, allowing for customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
Core Ingredients:
- Eggs and Heavy Cream: These form the base of the quiche, creating a rich and creamy texture. Half-and-half can be used as a substitute for heavy cream.
- Cheese: Gruyere, Swiss, cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Halvati, and Monterey Jack are all excellent choices.
- Meat: Ham is a classic choice, especially leftover ham. Bacon, cooked chicken, or turkey can also be used.
- Vegetables: Spinach is a popular addition, but broccoli, kale, asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, chiles, and jalapenos can also be incorporated.
Flavor Variations:
- Buffalo Chicken: Substitute cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce or pepper flakes for a buffalo chicken flavor.
- Spinach Bacon: Replace the ham with bacon for a spinach bacon quiche.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Keto Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche
Here's a simple guide to creating your own keto ham and cheese crustless quiche:
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- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a blender, combine eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Blend for approximately 30 seconds to achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg mixture with chopped ham, spinach, and most of the shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish with butter or cooking spray. For a richer flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the bottom of the dish.
- Assemble the quiche: Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. For added richness, drop tablespoon-sized pieces of mascarpone cheese all over the mixture.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-60 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center of the quiche should come out clean when it's done.
- Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Considerations
- Blending the egg mixture: Using a blender to combine the eggs and cream helps create a fluffy texture.
- Preventing excessive browning: Check the quiche towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn't brown too much on top.
- Adjusting cooking times: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of pan used.
- Varying flavors: Experiment with different meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
- Freezing for later: This quiche can be frozen for a quick keto breakfast or meal on the go. Store individual pieces in airtight containers and reheat in the microwave.
- Using muffin tins: Try making this recipe in muffin tins for perfectly portioned individual quiches.
Serving Suggestions
Crustless quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad, a cup of soup, or fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with a side of fruit salad or alongside dishes like Goat Cheese Grits or Sister Schubert’s Cinnamon Bun Pull Apart Bread for brunch. For a more elaborate touch, top the quiche with a dollop of Charred Ramp Aioli.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This quiche can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. Store the egg and cheese mixture in a measuring jug with plastic wrap in the fridge, and chop the ham separately. You can also bake the quiche ahead of time and reheat it at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes.
To store leftovers, cover the quiche with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 days, or cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for one piece of this crustless quiche is approximately:
- Calories: 321
- Fat: 24.9g
- Carbs: 2.4g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 21.5g
- Net Carbs: 2.2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and amounts used.
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